How to Choose a Whiskey Decanter

A whiskey decanter does two jobs: it makes pouring a dram feel like an occasion, and it turns a bottle into a centerpiece for the bar cart. Choosing one comes down to shape, size, the stopper and the material. Here is how to choose a whiskey decanter – with our favorites in each style.

1. Start with the Shape

Square decanters are the classic choice for whiskey and other spirits. They sit neatly side by side on a bar cart or shelf, and their flat sides show off deep crystal cutting.

William Yeoward Adele Square Decanter

An Art Deco masterpiece: a faceted stopper sits on top of a decanter with deep horizontal and vertical cuts. Handmade crystal, 9½ in tall, holding about 20 oz, and gift boxed.

William Yeoward Merle Square Decanter

Both the decanter and the stopper are cut with multiple facets to catch the light. Handmade crystal, 9½ in tall, about 22 oz, in a luxury gift box.

William Yeoward Lillian Square Decanter – Bourbon

Part of a fun set of Lillian square decanters named for your favorite spirit, handmade in crystal and 9¾ in tall. There is also an unlabeled Lillian Square Decanter – Plain.

Ship's decanters have a wide, low base – a shape designed to stay steady – and suit port, sherry and fine wine as well as spirits.

William Yeoward Iona Ships Decanter

Iona carries the elements of classic Georgian crystal, with elegant thumb cuts circling the bowl. Handmade, 9¾ in tall, holding about 36 oz.

William Yeoward Classic Ships Decanter

A classical ship's decanter, handmade and 12 in tall, holding about 35 oz – great for serving port, sherry or your best wines.

2. Check the Size

Most whiskey bottles hold 750 ml (about 25 oz). A decanter around that size takes a whole bottle; a smaller one is ideal if you like to keep the bottle and decant just for the evening. The William Yeoward decanters above range from about 20 oz to 36 oz, and the Lillian Spirit Decanter holds 1 liter.

3. Look for a Good Stopper

A well-fitting stopper keeps dust out and slows evaporation, so your whiskey tastes the same at the last pour as the first. Cut crystal stoppers, like the faceted ones on the Adele and Merle, are also part of the decoration.

4. Choose the Material

Crystal is the traditional choice and shows off the color of the whiskey. A practical tip: decanters are for serving, not for aging – whiskey doesn't improve in a decanter, so many collectors decant what they will enjoy over the coming weeks. If you plan to keep spirits in a crystal decanter for many months, keep the original bottle for long-term storage. Learn more in our crystal guide.

Lalique Wingen Liquor Decanter

Crystal from Lalique, made in Wingen-sur-Moder, France, with Lalique's signature contrast of satin and polished crystal. It arrives beautifully boxed.

Pewter is a handsome alternative with a warm, soft patina.

Match Pewter Spirits Decanter

Cast and finished by hand in northern Italy from food-safe pewter, which develops a soft, warm patina with use.

Cunill Italia Pewter and Glass Decanter

Glass and pewter, handcrafted in Italy: 11 in tall and 6.5 in wide with a 27 oz capacity – an eye-catching way to show off anything from single malt scotch to gold tequila.

5. Don't Forget the Glasses

William Yeoward Vesper Whisky Tumblers, Set of 4

Four straight-sided handmade crystal whisky tumblers, 4 in tall, in a gift set. Or start with a complete Helen Boxed Whisky Set – a decanter and two tumblers in one box.

Caring for a Crystal Decanter

Wash crystal by hand in warm water with a little mild soap; never in the dishwasher.
Let it dry upside down on a soft cloth or a drying stand, with the stopper out.
Store it with the stopper loosely placed rather than jammed in, so it doesn't stick.

Browse all of our decanters and carafes.